Some L.A. teachers may defy restraining order

Although a judge has barred a strike, they plan to engage in civil disobedience at the district headquarters to protest potential budget cuts.

Teachers union officials said Thursday that some of their members would not report to work at Los Angeles Unified School District campuses this morning and instead would engage in civil disobedience at the district headquarters to protest potential budget cuts.

United Teachers Los Angeles had planned a one-day strike today, but a judge earlier this week issued a restraining order prohibiting the action.

If teachers continued with the work stoppage, they each would have faced a $1,000 fine and the possible loss of their credentials.

Instead, some educators plan to be at the district headquarters about 10 a.m. for civil disobedience, according to teachers union officials. Union members also will hold a protest in the afternoon.

Teachers who plan to go to L.A. Unified's headquarters in the morning have requested substitute teachers, according to union officials.

L.A. Unified officials said Thursday afternoon that about 2,800 teachers have requested substitutes, which is more than average for a Friday in May.

Any teachers who leave campus during school hours would be in violation of the restraining order, according to district officials.

L.A. Unified lawyers went to court Thursday afternoon to ask for a new or modified restraining order, but a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge said another order was not necessary.

District officials also said they would pursue discipline against any teachers who ignore the restraining order.